Choosing when and where to invest your money can be a tricky decision for most. Should you opt for high risk stocks that have the potential to pay out large amounts or should you consider a safer investment that will see your money grow slowly but steadily?

Whatever decision you make it pays to do your research and consult the experts before you leap into any investment, so you can be sure you make the right decision for your future.

When thinking about making any kind of investment the first step is working out how much you can afford to invest. Calculating an amount that you can safely invest, without leaving you penniless, will make sure you don't get carried away and will give you a realistic idea of your expected return. Once you have decided on a sensible amount you will then have to choose the right investment to make the most of your hard earned money.

The key to finding the right investment is to shop around and swot up on the potential pros and cons of your chosen investment. Analysing the risks involved when making an investment is a must, so if you're looking into buying shares, stocks or bonds then do your research and find out how well they have previously performed before purchasing anything.

It also pays to look into the current market and watch out for any industry chatter that would suggest your chosen shares are going to decrease or increase in value over the coming months. It's always wise to speak to a financial planner or consultant so you can be reassured that your investment is a sound and practical one before making any commitments.

If you're looking for a secure investment then purchasing property is normally a safe bet. Grabbing the right property at the right price can be a great investment for your future and if you find a property in an up and coming area then your investment can pay you dividends quicker than you would think.

Always research the area where the new property resides and get in touch with the local council to check if there are any new developments due to take place soon. The market value on your new home can go up as well as down depending on these plans so check you're not buying in an area that will soon be under a new flight path or right next to a planned sewage works.

Whatever investments you decide to make always ask for advice and look around for the best deal. Taking care of all the financial questions and queries before you invest will guarantee that you make the best decision for all your future investments.